Microsoft is adding new communications and social networking tools on its Windows Live suite of online applications. Firstly, Microsoft links the contact lists in its Hotmail e-mail service and its Messenger instant message tool.

This way, users will be able to control who can see if they’re online, who can view their profiles or which of their groups can be accessed by other Internet users. Furthermore, other tools include an improved photo-sharing service and a calendar application that can be viewed consistently across Microsoft’s Hotmail, Windows Live Mail and Outlook e-mail applications.

A real step forward for the IT company represents its decision to integrate Windows Live with third-party social networking sites. Users will be able to pull in feeds from the Twitter micro-blogging service and share photos through Flickr. Now, with Windows Live, a user won’t have to manage multiple networks of friends, and that’s because address books from Facebook, Hi5 and Bebo will be accessible directly through the program.

Windows Live Essentials helps PC users connect with the online content stored on Windows Live. The tools will help users manage their e-mail and calendar, even when offline, create blogs and tag and post photos. Unfortunately for the anxious users, Microsoft has yet to announce a release date.

It seems Windows Live Essentials will emerge from beta testing soon and that many of the other new applications and services for Windows Live will be available “over the coming months.” The programs will be launched in 48 languages and 54 countries. This was announced in a blog posting on Wednesday by Windows Live General Manager, Brian Hall.